Cheltenham Local History Society

Cheltenham Local History Society was founded in 1982 and has more than 400 members. Our key aim is to make local history interesting to people of all ages and backgrounds. We offer a varied and engaging programme of talks, walks and visits, research journals, newsletters and other publications. Our focus is mainly on the history of Cheltenham but sometimes looks further afield.

In addition to our talks programme we offer a wealth of ideas and information online about the abundant and varied history of our town. These free resources include our journal articles, local newspapers, street directories, historical records, research papers, oral history recordings, newsletters and specialist publications. The Society also has a library, a large collection of historic photographs of Cheltenham and a bookshop. Our award-winning Cheltenham South Town website has an illustrated history of shops and businesses in the Bath Road, Suffolks, and Tivoli, and an account of the development of these areas.

We are active in the community, positively supporting The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Gloucestershire Archives and Cheltenham’s Heritage Action Plan.